I am glad you like the chapter on Jasmine.
I have yet to figure out how I am going to get her and the Main chacater together but it will be something differnent( I hope)
Thanks for your comments and will post more of her later
Novel Treatments / Jasmine
Jasmine
“Why the sad look my lady?” Galland, head of the Queens guard asked. “Are we not on the greatest adventure one could ask for?”
“I would much rather be at home. Instead, I’m on this dumb animal headed for The Light knows where, to find a wizard that is supposed to be all powerful, then I’m supposed to teach this wizard what he needs to know to win the final battle. Does that sound like fun to you?” She could hear the snickers of the other men, which in turn made her angry.
“Whoa, Girl! Calm down.” Galland said with a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. “It is the queen that commands we protect you in your quest. Each of these men, including myself, would much rather be home with our families. The queen however, says we are needed and our mission is vital to the safety of our world. I do not know how you feel about it but, as for me, we will do what ever it takes to keep this world safe from the darkness.”
“You’re right,” Jasmine said with a sigh. “It’s just that I have no experience with the outside world. I have never been past our own borders and I have never even seen a human before much less a human wizard that is as powerful as this one’s supposed to be. And, there are the questions that keep bothering me like, where did he come from? Why hadn’t anyone known about him before now? You’d think a wizard this powerful would have made himself know to others before now, wouldn’t he?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I will tell you this though; before this trip is through all your answers will be there for you.”
As the sun sank behind the westward mountains, Jasmine and her escort of six reached the old abandon fort, now used as a storage depot for the border patrols. Her spirits were higher for she had found the beauty of the outside world was as variant and exhilarating as home. After spending the night, they restocked their supplies and headed toward the border. Their destination was the old Druids keep further north. The reason for traveling to the border was because the keep was hard to find any other way. Only by traveling along the border could one be guaranteed of finding it. Some believed it held left over druids’ magic, others, thought it was the keep itself that kept the dark ones away. It made no real difference to these travelers, for that is where they hoped to find the wizard.
Six days after leaving the old fort, they heard the running water from the river that served as a border between the two lands. Only the border patrols dared cross the river to the other side and even they did that only when absolutely necessary. Lack of signs from recent patrols and the fact that the patrol that was to meet them should have been there, kept the group alert. Using hand signals, Galland sent two men up the river and two down. He and Garak remained to guard the girl. Was the border breached? Were they too late to get reinforcements here? Jasmine froze when the sounds of battle echoed from the left, as the screams of a wounded animal filled the air, she slid off the saddle to stand beside Galland.
Galland stood facing left, Garak facing right, with Jasmine in between. Each held a bow, the arrow notched and ready to fly. There was movement in the woods coming from all directions. Peck and Tyson had gone up the river and returned at the sound of fighting to positioned themselves in on either side of Jasmine.
“What did you find?” Galland asked.
“The patrol. Looks like they ran into an ambush.”
“It would appear that Makeel and Garratt did just that.” Galland responded. They listened, as the fighting grew closer, knowing there was nothing to do but wait. “Girl, if there are too many for us to handle, we will fight our way to the river. Once there you must jump in and let the river take you down stream toward the keep. Stay close to this side for you must not cross. Garak will go with you and let you know when it is safe to leave the water. He is the best tracker and woodsman I know, so he will help you find whom you seek. Be prepared and do not argue, for all our lives depend on you.”
“I can help you fight. I am as good with a bow as most of you and I train with a sword daily.”
“Listen child! I am in charge here. You will do as I say. The Queen said…” At that moment two men came crashing through the brush stumbling to a halt a few feet away.
“Kobalds! Makeel shouted as he turned to face the first of the beasts leaving the woods.
Three arrows flew striking the creature in the face. Galland did not waste a second. He dragged Jasmine toward the river just as fast as he could. He knew the Kobalds’ had had time to establish themselves in this area and the border was no longer safe. They had just reached the bank of the river when a howl of maddened joy at sight of their prey, came from behind them. A quick glance over their shoulder confirmed the worst. A wave of Kobalds poured out of the woods.
With the river came up abruptly, Jasmine slid to a halt at its edge. She thought about how she was goings to get everything soaked and the water was probably very cold. She felt a hard shove in the back and next the ice cold water wrapped itself around her. Sputtering as her head popped above water, she heard more splashes right behind her. The current took them swiftly, Jasmine had to struggle to situate her bow around her shoulder before she could start to swim. A mad howling from the bank caught her attention over the sounds of the river. Moving quickly around a bend, they had left the Kobolds far behind. She saw Galland pointing to a section of the bank where the water had cut a shallow place. She started swimming in the direction he had pointed, when her knees hit bottom and she found herself tumbling across a small sand bar that appeared inches below the water. The force of the water behind her kept pushing and if it had not been for the strong pair hands catching her, she would have been swept on.
Before she could comment on the ride, she was gently pushed toward the far bank.
“Up! Let’s go. We need to find cover fast. If this is where they crossed, then others will be along soon and we do not want to be here! Let’s move!” In a forceful whisper Galland commanded them.
They did. As fast and quietly as they could. Jasmine was miserable. Her hair was wet and dripping down her back; her clothes were soaked and dirty. She wanted nothing more than to stop, build a fire and dry out. She turned to Galland to tell him but the look on his face, ceased her complaints and made her feel bad for being selfish. They were on the other side of the border and all she was thinking about was getting dry again. She hoped the men were too busy to see her blush with shame. Then, she got angry all over again because she was out here instead of at home where she belonged.
With two of the warriors scouting ahead, the group made good progress. Although there were no trails through the woods, the going was relatively easy. A fire had swept through this section of the forest a few years back, so the underbrush was not as thick as it might have been. If their luck ran good, Galland told Jasmine, they would reach the valley before nightfall. The Druids keep sat in the center of the valley. Though it had been abandoned many years ago, its magic still protected it from the dark’s creatures.
The druids lived there for ages until the hoards of Darkness attacked, destroying everything in the valley. They say the last living druid died infusing the keep itself with the power and magic of the woods and light. No creature of the dark could set foot in the keep without being destroyed. The sun was just a few hours before setting behind the distant mountains when Garak returned to report.
“Sir, the keep is just over the next rise. Makeel went ahead to scout it out.”
“Okay, we’ll wait here until Barratt catches up.”
Makeel entered the keep, putting his back to the wall until his eyes became accustom to the dim light. He stood in a small foyer and when his eyes adjusted, he was able to see the doors on the right and left of him. A staircase leading upward sat in the middle of the room. Carefully he made his way to the door on his right, he froze when a small sound came from behind the door on the left. He waited a few minutes and when the sound came again, he moved cautiously across the room to the door. A quick inspection of the doorknob did not reveal a trap but he was not willing to take the chance. Using the handle of his sword, he pushed the door open on its rusty hinges. The room was covered in dust and full of old books and furnishings. He checked the dust covered floor and could find no place that had been disturbed. He could also find no cause for the noises he had heard. It wasn’t until he spotted the book lying in the middle of the floor, that his senses heightened and the sense of danger overwhelmed him. A hard shove from the back caused him to suddenly find himself standing next to the book and falling. A short fall, the cracking of his head on a hard surface was all Makeel sensed before loosing consciousness.
It did not take long for Barratt to show himself. In fact, he came running as fast as his legs could move. “Run!” he shouted when he saw that they had stopped. Galland did not question. He turned, pushing Jasmine ahead, and started running for the keep. The sound of heavy crashing behind them lent speed to their feet. They had almost reached the keep when an ungodly roar came from behind them. Each of the runners glanced over their shoulder only to wish they hadn’t when they saw the creature following them.
IT was larger than the largest bear and twice as fast for it had six legs to propel it forward. Its head was black, covered by scales, while the body was covered in thick matted fur. It let out a roar of rage when it saw its prey and increased its speed with impossible ease.
The group arrived at the door expecting Makeel to be there waiting. When the door did not open, Galland lowered his shoulder and plowed into it. The door opened with a crash Garak, sliding in last, slammed the door and bared it shut behind him. Their backs to the stone wall, each of the travelers waited for the beast to come crashing through the door. After a few minutes of silence, Galland put his ear to the door but heard nothing.
Jasmine leaned against the stone wall breathing fast. She had never seen a creature like the one that chased them and hoped she would never see one again. She was still wishing she were at home when Galland spoke.
“Listen up. I believe something or someone has corrupted the magic of this keep, otherwise Makeel would have been waiting for us. Until we find Whatever is here, we are not safe.”
There was enough light from the windows to see the room and Jasmine noticed the two doors leading off to the right and the left and a central staircase leading to the rooms above. The dust in the room was thick and she could see Makeel’s footprints going first to the door on the right then to the one on the left. She followed the tracks with her eyes noticing the difference in size as they left the second room and went up the stairs. She was a good enough tracker to know that the second set of prints were not Makeel’s. She was suddenly scared and worried about the missing man for she had come to care for all of them during their journey.
Galland used his hands to signal them to remain quiet and to stay where they were. Leaving the wall and motioning Barratt to follow, he walked to the door on the left and pushed it open careful not to touch the doorknob. The room was large and cluttered with old rotting furniture. The walls were lined with old, rotting books, and covered in dust. In fact, everything in the room was covered in dust except the very center of the floor. Barratt started to enter but Galland’s hand held him back. Looking over his shoulder, Galland had seen he was looking for. In the corner near the front door was an old leather sack filled with grain. Taking the sack he walked back to the door and tossed it to the center of the floor. The sack landed with a dull thud then vanished.
“Some type of trap. There’s no telling where it took Makeel. Barratt come with me. The rest of you stay here with the girl and make sure this floor is secure.” With out waiting for a reply, Galland and Barratt, took to the stairs two at a time reaching the top in seconds. The small footprints led down the center of the hallway passing all the doors that lined it. Reaching the end of the hall, the tracks turn left following the hall until it reached what seemd to be a dead end.
“Barratt, see if you can find a trap door or something. Barratt?” Galland said again looking back over his shoulder. To his surprise, Barratt was not there. His eyes strayed to the floor and he found only his footprints. Running back the way he had come, Barratt was not in the main hallway. As he walked toward where he thought the stairs should be, he found only another dead end with branches left and right.
Garak turned his head away for a second and when he looked back, Jasmine was opening one of the doors. ‘Jasmine! No!” he shouted running to the door throwing himself against it and bouncing back with only a bruised shoulder for his effort. He pound on the door and called out but heard no answer. Taking a step back, Garak kicked the door one, two, three times before the inside latch gave way and the door banged open. He stepped through to find an room empty.
Jasmine’s stomach began to rumble and knowing that the men were probably hungry, she decided to see if there was a kitchen or a fireplace where she could prepare some food. Going to the door on the right, she opened it then entered the room just as she heard someone call out her name. A glimmer of light on shinning metal caught her eye and she saw in one corner of the room, a mirrored vanity with brushes and combs. Walking over to it and seeing herself in the mirror, she was embarrassed by the condition of her hair and clothes. She sat on the chair, picked up one of the brushes and started running it through her hair. Her father’s face came to mind. She wondered if he is all right. Wished she were at home where she could see him. Suddenly she was in her bedroom. There was a party tonight and she wanted to be the most beautiful girl there. A flash of green caught her eye. Hanging on the wall was the most beautiful, provocative green gown she had ever seen. Cut extremely low in the front, a pair of matching slippers sat underneath. Standing and shedding her clothing, Jasmine reached for the gown when she noticed hanging on the nail with the gown, the most exquisite necklace. She gasped in awe at the sight, wondering how her father had had time to get it, and put it there for her to find. This was going to be the best party this year, she thought as she started to put the necklace around her neck.
Garak calling out her name as he searched the room for traps, he found nothing. “There is something strange here and I do not like it.” He reached into one of his many pouches and brought out a small sack, poured part of the contents in his hand, then spun letting the dust fly into the air. Immediately Jasmine appeared wearing only a slave shift and holding a slave collar up to her eyes as if admiring it. She starts to put it around her neck. Garak sprang forward snatched the collar from her hands and thrust it behind his back. With the spell broken, Jasmine starred in disbelief as she saw her clothing on the floor and realized what she was wearing.
“What’s happening?” She cried in despair.
“It’s okay.” Garak said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable as the girl buried her head into his chest. “There is some evil magic at work here so we must constantly be on guard. Do not leave my side for anything from this moment on.” Taking her by the hand, he led her out the door and back to where the others waited.
*
When he awoke, he was somewhat confused by the darkness and as he tried to lift his head, pain shot through his body bringing forth waves of nausea. Moving his hand to his head, he found only a small lump. He then checked the rest of him for any other injuries finding everything intact but very sore. He wasn’t exactly sure where he was, but from the smells, he figured it was a dungeon or basement below the keep. As he sat up, one of the sharp pains that had been in his side stopped and Makeel realized he had been laying on his bow and quiver. Feeling for his pouch, he removed flint and some tender, kept for emergencies. Feeling around, searching for a stick or something to use for a torch, his hand felt something long hard and round. Taking his only spare shirt from his pouch, he tore a few strips off and wraped them around the end of the stick. Using the flint and tender, he lit the cloth, chasing the darkness from his prison. There were bars on three sides and the stone wall made the fourth. It was the floor however that really caught his attention. Bones, large and small were scattered everywhere. Yet the bones alone did not send the chill up his back; it was the body in the corner of the cell that did it. The clothes were familiar and with a soft moan, Makeel knelt down and gently turned the body so he could see the face. Swearing quietly, Makeel went through his friends clothing and pack taking everything of value. Inside one of the mans pouches, Makeel finds something he would never expected. In one of the pouches was a Wand of Opening. It was a thief’s tool, but one only the most successful thief could afford. It would open any lock, door, or hidden trap. “Let’s see if this thing works.” he said to himself as he walked to the door. Touching the door with the wand, he waited. Nothing happened at first and as he started to touch it again, his sharp ears heard the distinctive click of the lock opening. The scurrying of scavengers could be heard as light from the torch spilt through the bars. The torch almost went out as a strong breeze from the right swept by carrying an almost overpowering smell of decay, along with muffled sounds of speech. It wasn’t long before he found the stairway leading upwards. Taking his time and searching for traps, he made his way to the top of the stairs where a door stood slightly ajar. Extinguishing the torch, he crept forward until he could look into the room. He was surprised to see four robed figures standing around a table. In one corner, bloodied and bruised was Galland with his arms tied to the rope around his ankles. Makeel slowly sat down to wait the four out. He could not handle four of them at once; he would wait until two or more left before making his move.
* * * *
“How was I to know one of those damned Elves would be able to break the illusion?” One of the robed ones argued. “Another second and she would have been ours. Such a beauty would bring a great price at the market.”
“She is not destined for the market fool! Our Lord wants her. That means none of you are to touch her. Now, our job is to get her to put one of these collars around her neck. She will willingly follow all instructions but only from the owner of the collar. That is why once she put one on herself, you will put another on her so she will obey you until she is taken to her new master. I will warn you only once; If you touch her, I will be forced to kill you. Now that that is settled, I want the three of you to get rid of the elves and bring the girl to me.”
The three grumbled as they walked out the door. As the door closed Makeel heard a muffled grunt and was in time to see the robed one kick Galland hard in the back. Reaching down the robed one caught Galland by the hair savagely twisting his head back.
“We have things to discuss, Elf” the creature spit the words out with loathing. Tell me what I want to know and your death will be swift and relatively painless; or you can be stubborn and I can have some fun before you die. Of course, my way is more fun for me so I really hope you’re stubborn. I’ve never had the pleasure of torturing an Elf before and I’m looking forward to seeing how tough you really are. Well?” he said letting go of Galland’s hair and kicking him once more in the back. “What’s it going to be? Please be stubborn.”
“May the Gods of Light burn you for eternity!” Galland snarled
Makeel took his bow from his shoulders and notched an arrow. When the robed figure turned his back to the door, Makeel let the arrow fly. It struck the robe in the middle of its back passing through the body stopping only after five inches of the arrow was sticking out it’s chest. A loud hiss escaped the lips of the robed one as it pitched forward landing with a dull thump on the floor. With another arrow notched, Makeel stepped into the room, much to the surprise of Galland.
“Light be praised. I though you dead.”
“Barratt is.” Makeel said solemnly as he knelt to cut Galland loose. “Let me ask you something. Did you know that Barratt was a thief? It would seem he was a good one. I went through his things and discovered a wand of opening. Those things are very rare and extremely expensive. Did you know about him?”
Galland watched the face of his friend for a few seconds while trying to rub circulation back into his hands. “Yes I did. That is one of the reasons he was with us. I have know of his activities for quite some time but did not mention them because I thought he would be a help on this quest. It is a shame he is gone for I have a feeling we will need the help of a good thief before we reach home again.”
“But he was a thief!” Makeel said with disdain. “They are untrustworthy and think only of themselves. A thief will steal from anyone, even his on mother!”
“Most are as you say but Barratt was a little different. I have never known him to steal anything from any one that would suffer from the loss. I also know that every week; he gave to the orphanage and to those that cared for the sick. He was a thief, yes, but he was also a good man.” The circulation had returned to his legs and as he stood, he points to the dead one on the floor. “These four were sent to capture the girl. I believe they intended her to be a pleasure slave for one of the Dark Masters. It would appear they’ve been working overtime. They have a new type of slave collar that drains the will of the wearer into the collar giving the owner complete and total control. The worst of it is, if they can trick you into putting the collar around your own neck, it fills you with enchanted ecstasy that makes you want and need only one thing, to please your master..” As he picked up his weapons from the corner where they had been tossed when he was first captured, Galland headed for the door. “That’s what they have planned for the girl. We have to find her before they do. They used illusions to trick us last time, but I’m on to their tricks and I won’t be so easily fooled again.” Reaching into his pouch, he took a small sack and emptied part of the dust into his palm. Tossing the dust down the hallway, the staircase reappears and the two could see the other three robed figures standing at the top of the stairs moving their arms rapidly in the air.
Without waiting, Makeel shot the closest of the three, while Galland ran toward the stairs. As the first one fell, another turned toward them and gasped as an arrow struck him in the chest. The last one wasted no time in trying to escape, disappearing just as Galland’s Sword cut him in half. He reappeared as the top part of his body flip— flopped down the stairs.
With the illusion broken, Jasmine slumped against the wall, weak and tired from fighting imaginary foes. Sinking slowly to the floor, breathing hard and weak from exhaustion, Garak falls forward only to be caught by Galland and eased down. Jasmine wept softly as she crawled to where Garak lay, she lift his head and placed it in her lap until his eyes opened and he smiled at her.
Jasmine and her remaining escort left the confines of the keep at first light. Their eyes scanned the sky every few seconds, then the tree line ahead of them. Sometime during the night, a clap of thunder and the roar of an angry beast vibrated through the keep. Jasmine shrieked when she heard the sound and everyone was up and armed in an instant. Although none of them had ever heard the sound before, each in their heart knew what it was. A black dragon now roamed the land. Once across the river and back safely on their side of the border, Tyson and Peck set out to see if their horses were still in the area.
With Tyson and his brother Peck scouting ahead, Makeel and Garak took up the rear leaving Jasmine and Galland in the middle. There was a need for speed now, although there was no set direction or destination in mind until Jasmine turned to Galland and said, “I don’t know why, but I feel as if we need to turn north toward the walled city.” Seeing the look on Galland’s face, Jasmine ducked her head before continuing, “I can’t explain it. All I have to go on is this feeling. If we don’t follow it how else are we to find this wizard?”
The sound of horses running hard behind them stopped Galland’s reply. Makeel and Garak came up the trail stopping just short of them.
“A small band of large creatures are headed this way. They are on foot but they are moving fast. I believe they are following our trail.”
With out a word, the four raced ahead. The trail through the woods was a small game trail twisting and turning through the trees and around great slabs of rock, making the fours progress much slower than they wished. Another turning the trail caused the four to stop as Tyson and Peck came around the bend riding as fast as possible. Rounding the bend and finding Galland and the rest of the party in front of them sent all into a frantic scramble to keep the horse under control as the two collided into them. Jasmine’s horse reared suddenly and she found herself falling off the back of her horse and being struck a glancing blow to the head by a stray hoof. Dazed, she lay where she had fallen unaware of the danger she was in and the last thing she saw was the hoof and fore leg as it dropped to the ground just inches from her eyes.
Galland stopped his swearing as his horses settled down and when his eyes saw the empty saddle, he was off his and at the girls side in less than a heart beat. Lifting her eyelids and checking for a pulse, he visibly sighed when he saw that she was still alive. Looking over his shoulder at the twins he said, “Report!”
“Their are about a dozen large creatures headed this way fast. They did not see us but I think we should go back the way we came. Is she alright?”
“She is unconscious and will recover if we live through this. We can’t go back because there is another group behind us. Look for a place we can defend. We will have to make a stand and hope for the best.”
Peck found the cave and with its small entrance, could easily be defended. Galland carried Jasmine to the back of the cave and did what he could to make her comfortable. Checking her one more time for any injuries, he might have missed before. Finding none, he left to check on the defenses. Tyson and Garak stood at the entrance and glanced over their shoulders as he approached.
“How is the girl?” Garak asked.
“Still out. Any sign?”
“Makeel and Pecks out scouting. Peck went left Makeel went right. How many of those things were behind you?”
“About a dozen.” Garak said never taking his eyes off the brush in front of them.
“Are they after us or did they just happen to take this same trail?”
“I think they are after the girl,” Galland said, as he glanced at the back of the cave. “They tried to take her at the keep and failed. There is no reason to think that they will not try again. Someone does not want her to find this wizard and that is even more reason why we have to make sure she does. Even if we have to die in the process.”
A rustle to the left cut off any reply. Peck staggered out of the brush and ran stumbling toward the cave. Reaching the entrance, he fell into his brother’s arms. “They are coming!” he said as his legs gave out. Tyson wrapped his arms around his twin and gasped when his hands found the arrow sticking between the shoulder blades.
“Peck! Peck!” Tyson cried out, knowing there could be and would be no answer from the limp and lifeless body that once was his brother. Tyson never noticed Makeel enter nor see look of sorrow that his face held when he saw Pecks body.
“Galland, the two groups have joined and they will find this place in a shortly.” Makeel said. “I do not know what type of creatures these are but I do know that they are after us. As soon as the two groups joined, they began looking for our tracks. It won’t take them long to find us.”
“Did you make a good count?”
“There were ten in the group behind us and twenty eight in the other. Even if we can hold them off for a while, there is the question of how are we going to wait them out? Our water and food supplies will last about two days if we stretch it, but that is all.”
“We will worry about that when the time comes. Right now, lets concentrate on staying alive today.”
An arrow shot through the opening and buried itself in the ground at their feet. “I think they have found us,” Galland said, as they flattened themselves against the wall. Make every shot count. Chose your targets carefully, we may be here for a while.”
“Maybe that is what they want.” Garak said, over his shoulder.
“What do you mean by that?” Galland asked.
“Well, if all they want to do is keep the girl from finding the Wizard? All they have to do is keep us bottled up here until it is too late. They won’t need to kill her or us as long as we stay here.
“Good point.” Galland said. “Makeel, check out the cave and see if there is another way out. There is a small fissure in the wall to the left.”
Makeel left the entrance and bent to check on Jasmine when he reached the back. After a quick check showed she was still alive, he left to check out the small crack in the wall. The fissure was barely wide enough for him to squeeze through leading deeper into the hill until at last some twenty feet later, it widened into a large chamber with walls covered in a strange glowing moss. The glow was barely good enough for Makeel to see what appeared to be a tunnel on the other side of the chamber. He started to step forward when a rattle came from the other side of the cavern. Something large shifted its weight and the sound was like two slaps of stone rubbing together. Ducking low, Makeel made his way to the right, using large stalagmite columns for cover. No other noise could be heard but neither could he see anything. Makeel slowly made his way to the other side with out hearing or seeing what had made the previous noise and before he realized it, he was at the edge of the tunnel. He stepped into the tunnel keeping his back to the wall shifting his head back and forth keeping watch behind him as well.
The tunnel had the same glowing moss covering the walls but even in the smaller space, the light was just barely good enough to see by. The tunnel itself curved slowly to the right then the left before straightening and once straight, began to slop upward. Thinking he had found them a way out, Makeel started moving faster. Still unable to see the end of the tunnel, the creak of old-rusted hinges and the sudden breeze of fresh air stopped him in his tracks.
“The master said this tunnel will lead us to the girl,” a deep growling voice echoed down the tunnel. “Kill the others but the girl is to remain unharmed. The master has plans for her. Now keep quiet and wait till we know she is here before attacking.”
Makeel swore violently to himself, slammed his hand against the wall and quickly made his way to the opening of the cavern. A swift look told him nothing but his ears knew different. Alert, he made his way back the way he had come until he was at the edge off the crack in the wall that led to the outer cave. He entered the crevice just enough to hide himself and still see the tunnel on the other side. It wasn’t long till the sound of heavy footsteps echoed loud in the cavern. As the first of the strange creatures entered the cavern, Makeel got his first real good look at what they were and a chill worked its way up his spine.
The creatures would probably stand seven-foot tall if they weren’t hunched over, as it was they were at least six—foot tall and three—foot across the shoulders. Muscular arms showed beneath the leather jerkins and chain mail vests with large hairy-clawed hands carrying swords. He still had no name for the creatures but his guess was they were the offspring of a union between ore and stone trolls.
The need to get back to the smaller cave and warn Galland and the others of the danger conflicted with his desire to see what the creatures would do next. A grinding noise of rock against rock made the decision for him. Makeel watched the quick reaction of the creatures and was able to count them now that they were in a defensive formation. There were twelve of them standing in a square with three facing each direction, their heads and eyes shifting side to side searching for the source of the noise.
Makeel had the advantage of height and his eyes roamed the cavern walls for sign of movement. A slight movement caught the corner of his eye and as he focused on the spot, he could begin to see the outline of a creature he had earlier missed. It was no wonder for the creature was itself part of the wall. A growl came from the center of the cavern floor and he turned in time to see two creatures emerge from the walls and step forward, each step echoing through out the cavern.
Rock creatures, first two, then four, then over a dozen began moving toward the intruders. Each creature stood almost eight-feet tall. Their square heads balancing precariously on top of two massive boulders that made up the shoulders. Their arms were so long they reached down between the knees and ankles ending in hands that were large enough to grab one of the creatures by the head and remove it from its shoulders with one quick twist, flinging the two parts over its own shoulders as it reached for another. The fighting lasted only a few seconds for there was nowhere to run and no way the intruders could defend themselves against the rock creatures.
Makeel watched as the last one was dispatched and his mind was already working on a plan as the rock creatures turned and walked slowly back to their spots in the wall and disappeared. He made his way back to the smaller cave and saw Jasmine and Galland talking.
“I think I found us a way out if the girl is well enough to travel.” He said when he caught Galland’s eye. “We need to talk first.” Makeel walked over joining Garak and Tyson at the cave entrance. A few minutes later Galland joined them and Makeel told them what he had found and how it might be possible for them to cross the cavern and out the tunnel entrance.
“Are you sure these creatures will let us pass?” Galland asked.
“No. I just know they did not stop me from leaving. I think if we go one at a time around the outer edge instead of straight across, I think we can make it.”
“Well, since we have no other alternative and the girl is awake and ready to go, we’ll try it. Makeel, you take the lead. Garak, take the rear. Tyson, you help Jasmine, stay close to her and if anything happens, you are to take her and run. Don’t stop until she is safe, understand?”
“Yes Sir. What about my brother’s body? We can’t just leave him here.”
“We have no choice. Besides, I think Peck would want you to be getting out of here and helping the girl, instead of worrying about his body.”
“Your right.” Tyson said, leaning down and touching the forehead of his brother before walking away. Jasmine was standing with hands to her head, and smiled when she saw the look of concern on Tyson’s face.
“I am okay,” she smiled back. “Just a slight headache where the horse kicked me.”
With Makeel in the lead, the six made their way through the crevice in the wall and finally into the cavern. Slowly Makeel left the group and started circling the cavern as he had before, first leaving instructions to stay low, do not touch the walls and wait until the one in front of you had reached the opening of the tunnel. It took him just a little longer to reach the other side, for his ears kept hearing the grinding of stone and his eyes could still see the carnage left in the middle of the floor. He reached the tunnel opening and waved for the next to follow. Jasmine was the first to appear and shortly behind her Tyson. Makeel made them stay close with their backs to the tunnel walls until Garak made it across. Then sending Garak and Tyson ahead, Jasmine and Makeel waited for Galland to cross. Makeel could see Galland make his way slowly around the walls and knew that they were going to make it.
“Creatures of light have no fear. No harm shall befall you in this place.” Said a loud graveled voice, coming from nowhere and everywhere. Galland froze and Makeel stood in the open with arrow notched. Franticly looking for the one that had spoken; he was completely taken by surprise when one of the rock creatures came up behind him laying a heavy but gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Please, there is no need for weapons. They are useless against us and we have no quarrel with you.”
“Who are you? What are you?” Galland asked, taking his hand from his sword.
“We have no name other than that given to us by beings such as you. We are of the mountain; we are of the earth. We maintain a balance between nature and the creatures that inhabit the surface. Beings, who are an abomination to nature such as those that entered here, shall be dealt with whenever they trespass in our domain.”
“We are on a mission of great importance and any assistance we receive is welcome. We…”
“Your mission is known to us and though we can not tell you where he is, we can tell you that he is to the east. We have felt his workings, and have felt the drain of power as he draws from the earth. Beware! The one you seek has the power to destroy all, for the power of the earth is his to command. Each time he draws power from the earth, his ability to release it will weaken. There may come a time when those he wishes to help are the very ones he destroys.”
Jasmine could not see who was speaking but now it did not matter. She grabbed her head with both hands, as the voice seemed to drive its way through her skull, pounding louder and louder until she thought she would scream.
“Jasmine Straightbow, daughter of Laxthin Straightbow, wise man and councilor to Queen Cassandra of the Elfin Nation, we bid you welcome.” the voice said gently. The pounding left her head and Jasmine was able to lower her hands and step forward. She gasped slightly when the creatures of rock came in to view. “It is you who have been chosen to find and care for this Wizard. It will be your knowledge and strength that keep him in the light. First and foremost child, you must first find yourself. You have yet to find your true strength and power. Your journey from here will be wrought with peril but through these trials will you find yourself and that which you seek. If you should fail, then darkness will fall across the earth and it shall parish.”
“But why me?” Jasmine shouted. Fear, frustration and a pounding head had already taken its toll on her, and now she’s hearing that the fate of the entire world is on her shoulders. “Why me? My father knows more about what is going to happen than I do! What is this knowledge that only I can give?”
“The knowledge of your heart.” Echoed faintly in the cavern as the creatures stepped backward into the wall and disappeared.
“Now what the dark does that mean?” She moaned, sinking slowly to her knees.
Using hand signals, Galland sent Makeel and Garak to check out the end of the tunnel. He then knelt down beside the girl lying his hand on her shoulder. He thought hard for the right thing to say but no words came to mind that would explain or clarify the situation. Mainly because he did not quite understand it himself. Yet, his orders were clear; Somewhere out there was a powerful human wizard, he will need the girls help in the final battle. Protect her from those who will try to keep them apart. The Dark Lords will send their minions to stop you but you must not fail. The girl must reach the Human. If they do not meet before the final battle, the scales may tip the world into darkness.
“Galland,” Jasmine spoke softly with a slight hint of anxiety but a good deal of distress. Of course the sob at the end seemed to sum up her state of mind. “Why is this happening to me? I’ve tried to be good all my life, to look after my father since mother died and to have fun with my friends. I wanted to have a normal life; to meet the male of my dreams and to raise a family. I am only fifty summers old yet look what has happened to me. And now I’m told that not only do I have to find this “Mighty Human Wizard”, I’m…” A sob escapes followed quickly by two more before she continued, “…I’m supposed…I’m supposed to give him my heart?” Now she could no longer hold back the flood of tears.
Galland still could think of nothing that would ease the girls fears. He too had caught the last statement of the rock creature though it effected him differently. “The “Light” gives us each no more or less than what we can truly handle. That your task, your duty seems immense and overwhelming, only proves to me that you are stronger than you think. If…” he was going to continue but noticed that the girl was no longer listening. Her emotional state must have exhausted her for she had fallen asleep though there were tears still flowing down her cheeks. Checking that she was still okay, he said a silent prayer for her and then for them all.
Jasmine woke and for the first time in weeks, she felt rested and unafraid. She also knew now what she had to do and why. Whether it was a dream or the earth creatures had talked with her while she slept, she now had a better understanding of her role. She sat up and could feel the weight of the stone that now hung around her neck. It was a gift from the creatures and would help them find their way. The gift, a white crystal the size of her little finger.
She saw the others were still sleeping and smiled. They needed the rest and it would probably be a long time before they were somewhere safe again. Going through the remains of the fire, Jasmine stoked the embers and set about brewing water for tea. It would be the last time for a while that a fire would be permitted and though wine was alright, it was good to be able to drink something different.
“Well, you must be feeling better.” A soft voice said. Jasmine turned to see Garak awake and the others rousing from sleep.
She noticed each one had a crystal hanging from their necks and she reached up to hold her’s in her hand. “I don’t know about the five of you, but I feel that our luck has just changed for the good. After we each have some tea as we break fast, we need to go. Though it will be a little slower now that the horses are gone.” Jasmine tossed a chunk of bread to each of the men following quickly and randomly with cheese, causing more than one of them to jump to catch theirs. A smile and quick laugh escaped and echoed in the cavern and Jasmine smile in turn.
Whether it was the heat and lack of water that drove most insane or there was something evil lurking there waiting for the unwary traveler, no one knew. The only thing the six travelers did know was that this was not the place they had hoped to find themselves. Jasmine looked out over the landscape and though it looked flat as far as her eyes could tell, she knew from the stories there was nothing flat about the place. It was said the land was cut as a giant labyrinth with only one way in and one way out with a hundred thousand dead ends. She gave a sigh for this was where their path has taken them and through the labyrinth they must go.
“It looks as if we get to find out if the legends are true.” She said smiling at each of the men. Holding the crystal by its cord, she turned slowly in a circle waiting for something to happen. She did not have to wait long before the crystal began to glow whiter. “That way.” She pointed. “That is the direction I need to go.”
“Then that is the way we go.” Galland replied. “Tyson take point. Makeel, Garak,” Galland pointed over his shoulder but there was no need. They were already back twenty yards and waiting. “Shall we see what the day holds?”
“I have a feeling it will be interesting what ever it is.”
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flora reviewed Version 1 -
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i’m not clear as to who your audience is. Some of the language seems to be geared towards children and some towards adults. also, you mention in your review comments that this is a story about the queen’s daughter but you don’t necessarily give us that background in the story. I’d also like to see more dialogue to help drive the story forward. You’re very descriptive, which is good, but your dialogue could be a little more fully developed.
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Mayday29 reviewed Version 1 -
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I truely loved it. I wish there was more to read. I enjoyed Jasmine’s attitude and how she was so into herself regardless of the situation’s they found themselves in. I was alittle surprised by her age of 50, but I guess in elfin years, that really isn’t so old. I liked the descriptions of the various creatures that they came in contact with. I liked the sence where she was “in her bedroom” and the necklace was really a collar to enslave her. I like the way the guards trated her and her relationship with them of mutual respect. All in all I was very pleased with everything. I am very confident that this will be a start of something great to come. I look forward to more. Please keep writing, I for one would read it. I know others having read only the above, will have the same thoughts and ideas toward the piece.
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